USCA transgender policy approved

(STEVENS POINT, Wis.) – A transgender policy was unanimously adopted Thursday during the United States Curling Association’s board meeting, which took place via teleconference.

The purpose of this new policy is to establish clear guidelines about the inclusion of transgender curlers in USCA events. It also provides guidance on how to support transgender curlers in club events.

This adoption comes after a three-month period of vetting, which included acceptance and consideration of comments from USCA member states, regions, clubs, and individuals. The Board agreed to consider further “barriers of entry” language be added to the policy at its October meeting.

Guidelines for participation by transgender curlers differ by the level of competition because of the rules of the organizing body. This policy should not be construed to supersede the policy of another organizing body when competing in an event that does not fall under USCA rules.

In other action, the proposed policy regarding the use of the stick in national championship events not leading to a world championship or Olympic Games was not adopted and will be sent back to the Diversity and Inclusion Committee for further discussion. This proposal can also be viewed online here.